Before we even begin… thank you for being here. 🧡 Seriously. I know you’ve got a hundred recipe tabs open (been there!), and the fact that you’re considering this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp warms my heart just like a bubbling pan of cinnamon-spiced apples does on a chilly day.
This is one of those timeless recipes that just feels like home. No frills, no fuss—just sweet, tender apples tucked under a golden, buttery oat crumble. It’s humble. It’s cozy. And it’s exactly what dessert dreams are made of.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Crisp
There’s a reason this dessert never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and always a hit. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner or a holiday table, this crisp delivers that warm, spiced apple flavor with just the right amount of crunch.
Reasons to love this recipe:
No pie crust, no problem!
Ready in under an hour
Comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable
That crunchy topping? Pure gold.
Perfect for fall, but honestly great any time of year
What Does Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Taste Like?
It tastes like a hug. Warm, juicy apples spiced with cinnamon and just a hint of lemon, baked until soft and jammy. Topped with a golden oat crumble that’s sweet, buttery, and a little crisp at the edges.
Every bite is soft and crunchy, sweet and tangy—a perfect contrast that keeps you going back for “just one more spoonful.”
Benefits of This Classic Dessert
🍎 Simple ingredients you probably already have
🥄 One bowl for apples, one bowl for topping—done!
🍂 Perfect for fall baking (but also perfect for every season)
🧁 Scales easily—double it for a crowd, halve it for two
💛 Cozy + nostalgic + never boring
Ingredients
For the Spiced Apples:
6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or sliced—your call!)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
1½ tsp lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
1 cup light brown sugar
¾ cup old-fashioned oats (quick oats are okay, but you’ll lose some texture)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Tools You’ll Need
8×8″ baking dish
Two mixing bowls
Peeler and knife
Pastry cutter (or two forks, or your hands!)
Oven mitts (because bubbling hot dessert)
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
Apple varieties: Try Granny Smith for a tarter crisp, or mix with Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart blend
Add nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch
Add spice: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom takes the flavor up a notch
Use salted butter: Just skip the added pinch of salt if you do
How to Make the Perfect Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter or spray an 8×8″ baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Spiced Apples
In a bowl, toss together:
6 peeled, chopped apples
2 Tbsp sugar
¾ tsp cinnamon
1½ tsp lemon juice
Stir until coated and pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a second bowl, combine:
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup oats
¾ cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
½ cup cold diced butter
Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples and gently pat it down. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Serve & Savor
Let it cool slightly (if you can wait!), then dig in. We love it:
With vanilla ice cream (YES PLEASE)
Or fresh whipped cream
Or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
Cold butter = crunchy topping. Don’t skip that chill!
Chop apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly
Taste a piece of apple first—if they’re extra tart, you can bump up the sugar a little
Double the recipe for a 9×13” pan
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds
Freezer: Freeze baked crisp for up to 3 months—reheat from frozen or thaw overnight
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
Can I make it ahead?
Totally. Prep the apples and topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready. Or bake it fully and reheat before serving.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! If you like the extra texture, leave the peels on. They’ll soften as they bake.
A Crisp That Never Goes Out of Style
This Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, it’s soul-warming, and it just feels like something grandma would’ve made (and probably did!). I hope it becomes a sweet little staple in your kitchen too.
🍏 Looking for more comforting fruit desserts? Try these next:
Brown Butter Peach Crisp with Almond Crumble
Maple-Baked Pears with Oat Streusel
Apple Cranberry Crumble Bars
Share Your Sweet Creation!
If you make this Apple Crisp, I definitely want to see it! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest and show off your bubbly, golden masterpiece.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can come back to it anytime those cozy dessert cravings strike!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):
Calories: ~320
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 35g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 3g
